BTW, there's no such thing as a simple prop question. ;) ;)

What engine and how many Rpm,s are you turning?

That's what you get for thinking again;)

Take Baja Daze advise.

Typical rule of thumb when going from 3 to 4 blades is to drop down one inch in pitch. The same holds true from aluminum to stainless(down one inch) due to the less flex--Your aluminum will actually flex and flatten out slightly giving you less effective pitch. Hope this help.

I could very well have the smallest boat on this forum!!!!!!!!!

It is a 170 Horizon FW with a 4.3L 190 HP. It is an excellent starter boat and am thrilled I picked this boat. Not having very much boat knowledge, I went for minimal investment for the first one.

My goal in 2-3 years is a 212 Baja Islander with the 496!

I usually turn about 4800 RPMs when in the boat by myself.

My goal for changing props is to get better performance for minimal $$$. I am going to change boats in a few years and don't want to invest alot of $$$ in current boat. In addition, I figure the SS Prop will help with resale.

when you increase the efficiency of a fluid coupler like a torque converter or a prop....the other componets will suffer more,,,put simply....add a set of drags slicks a stock mustang and see how long your drive line componets last!!!...report the facts....call a prop expert!

Joseph Allen Skrocki
Engineering - Phase III Dynamometer Lab
ATNPC Box 38, 35500 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150
Phone: (734) 52-35339 Text Pager:(734) 651-2028
Email: [email protected]/

I had a 19ft Rinker with the v6 motor. I used to to ski alot. I went from a 21 aluminum to a 19 ss and gained both low and kept the same top end.

audacity,
i will give him a call and pick his brain.

One little thing to keep in mind about a SS prop. It's true that SS is much stiffer than aluminum, resulting in both less flex and less drag - the SS blades can be thinner than the aluminum blades.

This can be a double edged sword, however, depending on where you boat. If you hit a deadhead or rock with an aluminum prop, you'll likely bust a blade. Hit the same object with a stainless prop and the shock is more likely to be transmitted up into the outdrive. Busted outdrive shafts and gears = big $$; bend blade on a aluminum prop = small $$.

So, if you're on a lake with lots of stuff hidden, you might be better off keeping the aluminum prop. Something to think about, anyhow...

What is your maximum RPM now? If it's too low, then the 19 SS prop will be the way to go, but if it's too high, a 21 SS prop will help lower the RPM. I'm guessing but the recommended RPM range for the V-6 is 4600-5000?

I get about 4800 RPM, Tomcat with the 3 blade 23 pitch.